Five Additional Louisiana Parishes Designated for Individual Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Homeowners and renters in Beauregard, Lafayette, Rapides, St. Landry and St. Martin parishes may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Hurricane Delta.

To be eligible for federal disaster aid, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred as a result of Delta from Oct. 6 to Oct. 10, 2020. The deadline to register is Dec. 16, 2020.

Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vermilion parishes were previously included in the federal declaration to assist homeowners and renters.

If you have already registered with FEMA for Hurricane Laura, you must register again to qualify for help after Delta. When there are two or more disasters declared for the same designated area, FEMA works to ensure applicants receive all eligible help while preventing duplication of federal benefits.

You may register with FEMA by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Downloading the FEMA app at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app;
• Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week; or by
• Visiting any drive-through Disaster Recovery Center in the state. To locate the closest center, call the FEMA Helpline or visit DisasterAssistance.gov/ or egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

Take photos of all damage and save all receipts.

FEMA assistance alone cannot make survivors whole. FEMA’s disaster assistance programs are designed to help with grants for basic repairs to make survivors’ homes safe, sanitary and secure and to provide a temporary place to live while survivors develop their recovery plans.

U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans are available for Louisiana disaster survivors. Businesses of any size and certain nonprofits can apply for loans as well.

Apply online at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.

For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

christopher.teed Sun, 11/08/2020 - 07:15

FEMA Approves Nearly $48 Million for Rhode Island COVID-19 Medical Costs

REGION I – Rhode Island will receive $47,949,475 from FEMA for materials in support of medical personnel, facilities and testing sites costs as a result of the major disaster declaration for Rhode Island’s COVID-19 Pandemic. 

This grant is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. The grant applications are submitted from the state, which coordinates the process with local governments.

 “FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program is essential to helping communities recovering from a federally declared disaster get back on their feet,” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Rhode Island. Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

“This funding is just one of the positive results of the partnership between FEMA and the State of Rhode Island through Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency,” concluded Webster.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grant funding to state and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. FEMA obligates funding for this project directly to the state of Rhode Island.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $53.5 million to Rhode Island under the Public Assistance program.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters

 

 

adrien.urbani Fri, 11/06/2020 - 16:34

FEMA Awards More than $4 Million to Vermont Agency of Human Services for COVID-19 Expenses

REGION 1 – FEMA approved $4,131,524 for the State of Vermont to help the Vermont Agency of Human Services defray the costs of preparing for and responding to COVID-19 under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

Funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. During the incident period, COVID-19 created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public requiring emergency response and protective measures. In response to the event, the state agency utilized contracts to execute the emergency sheltering as a protective measure to provide sheltering to A) the High-Risk population of Vermont, B) non-congregate housing sheltering for Covid-19.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program is essential to helping communities recovering from a federally declared disaster get back on their feet,” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Vermont. Vermont Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

“This funding is just one of the positive results of the partnership between FEMA and the State of Vermont through Vermont Emergency Management,” concluded Webster.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grant funding to state and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to the State of Vermont and it is the state’s responsibility to work with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met and disburse funding.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

adrien.urbani Fri, 11/06/2020 - 14:27

Mobile Registration Intake Center Open in Sonoma County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center opens Friday, Nov. 6, in Sonoma County to serve survivors of the LNU Complex Fire and the Glass Fire.

The intake center is part of the ongoing response and recovery mission for FEMA and the state of California to assist survivors with disaster information.

It is located at Maria Carrillo High School, 6975 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95409. It will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice.

The LNU Lightning Complex Fire stretched across Sonoma, Napa, Solano and other counties north of the Bay Area. These counties were designated disaster areas under presidential declaration DR-4558 Aug. 22. The Glass Fire also affected Napa and Sonoma counties. These counties were designated disaster areas under DR-4569, declared Oct. 16.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid in one of three ways:

• Online at disasterassistance.gov;
• By downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet; or
• By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PST. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service when they register.
• The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.
• Deadline to register for assistance under DR-4558 is Nov. 23.
• Deadline to register for assistance under DR-4569 is Dec. 16.

Registration enables FEMA to determine residents’ eligibility for financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other serious disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4558 and www.fema.gov/disaster/4569. Follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Fri, 11/06/2020 - 11:56

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding on Sept. 13.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the Municipality of Arecibo.  

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Claude Hyacinthe has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 11/06/2020 - 10:25

Where to Go When FEMA Can’t Help? Just dial “2-1-1”

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – FEMA disaster assistance provides grants to help eligible homeowners and renters with temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and essential disaster-related needs. But not all hurricane survivors who applied for assistance are eligible; others are eligible for some aid, but may still have unmet needs.

Where can these survivors turn for help? Who can they call? Where can they go?

In Alabama, 2-1-1 Connects Alabama is a shortcut to health and human services agencies that can provide help to individuals and families recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Sally.

By simply dialing “211,” those in need of assistance can be referred, and sometimes connected, to appropriate agencies and community organizations. 2-1-1 Connects Alabama works a bit like 911. Calls to 211 are routed to a calling center. From there referral specialists use databases of resources available from private and public health and human service agencies to match the callers’ needs to available resources and link, or refer, them directly to an agency or organization that can help.

Below are just some of the services 211 Connects Alabama can help callers access:

• Basic Human Needs Resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance
• Government information: City, County, State services and programs. Many people are not sure what government office to contact, 211 helps point them in the right direction
• Health and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, maternal health, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation
• Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services
• Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after-school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services
• Volunteer Opportunities and Donations: community involvement, volunteer centers, disaster relief
• Military and Family Support: programs that serve veterans and their families, community resources, mental health resources, counseling 2-1-1 Connects Alabama also provides incident specific information in coordination with local emergency services during times of disaster, including road closures and shelters. You can reach out to 2-1-1 Connects Alabama by dialing 211 on any telephone, or call or text 888-421-1266.

For more information about 2-1-1 Connects Alabama, or to chat with a 2-1-1 specialist, visit https://www.211connectsalabama.org   Help Available from Other Government Agencies   Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL)   If you’ve lost your job, the Alabama Works site at https://labor.alabama.gov/online-services.aspx will take you through the simple, easy step-by-step process of filing for unemployment and finding a new job.   Internal Revenue Service   Special tax law provisions may help individual taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of Hurricane Sally, especially those located in Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties. Depending on the circumstances, the IRS may grant additional time to file returns and pay taxes.   Both individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can get a faster refund by claiming losses related to the disaster on the tax return for the previous year, usually by filing an amended return. You may deduct the loss or partial loss of your home, household goods, and motor vehicles from disaster damage on your individual federal income tax return. For more information, visit the www.irs.gov website.   Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)   Fannie Mae’s Disaster Response Network™ offers free support for eligible homeowners from HUD-approved housing advisors, including:

• Personalized recovery assessment and action plan
• Assistance filing claims (i.e. FEMA, insurance and SBA)
• Help working with mortgage providers on Payment relief options
• Access to Clearpoint’s Project Porchlight disaster recovery tools and resources
• Ongoing check-ins to help ensure a successful recovery

To learn more visit www.fanniemae.com/disaster-help-homeowners or call 877-833-1746.

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline is a national hotline that offers year-round disaster crisis counseling. If you feel distressed because of the storms, you can use this free service. It’s toll-free, multilingual, crisis support, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Helpline staff provides counseling and support and can help you learn how to cope with common stress reactions. They can also provide information and referrals to local resources for follow-up care.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the disaster, you are not alone, you can call the Disaster Distress helpline at 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.To learn more, visit www.SAMHSA.gov

More Resources Available to Alabama Survivors Who Need Help

• If you or someone you know is needing assistance due to Hurricane Sally, 211 may refer you to an organization that is part of the Alabama Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ALVOAD). Alabama VOAD seeks to ensure the availability of needed resources and services and encourages the uniform, impartial delivery of these resources and services to disaster survivors in Alabama. You can also email info@alvoad.org.
• You can get access to more disaster help and resources, as well as a personalized list of available assistance. (No login or personal information required.) Visit www.benefits.gov/benefit-finder/Household

For the latest information on Hurricane Sally, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4563.

felicia.jordan Fri, 11/06/2020 - 08:42

FEMA Presents Disaster Housing Guide in Spanish

 

The guide will assist in the planning phases of pre and post disaster housing

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico - To address the need for adequate disaster housing planning, FEMA released a Spanish-version of “Planning Consideration: Disaster Housing”. This guide aims to provide guidance to government and private sector officials on housing-specific planning recommendations that may be applied when developing or updating housing plans in the context of a disaster or an emergency.

“Housing planning is essential to the effective recovery of our communities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support the people of Puerto Rico for many years to come,” said the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.

The guide was developed in collaboration with key disaster housing stakeholders and includes significant feedback from across the federal government, the states of Louisiana and North Carolina, and the city of Houston, Texas. It provides key considerations to urban planning professionals, including shelter, provisional and permanent housing. An informational briefing was conducted with representatives from across Puerto Rico in July and feedback showed the benefit of providing a Spanish translation of the document.

The Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Housing, Luis Fernández Trinchet, highlighted the importance of this document while reiterating that “after the natural disasters we have faced in the past years, which include hurricanes, floods and earthquakes, it has become evident that there is a need to continue planning and organizing our Island according to the building codes and the new established guidelines that always ensure the safety and lives of the citizens. We appreciate this joint effort that we are certain will be of great value to continue rebuilding Puerto Rico, while mitigating and providing a resilient Island for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Planning and development of disaster housing requires several phases – from temporary solutions for short-term, small-scale events to catastrophic disasters where the need for housing can last for weeks or even months. Sometimes permanent housing is also required, as in the case of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. To view the guide please www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/plan

“The COR3 team, as a recipient of FEMA recovery funds, maintains its availability to provide support and any assistance that may be required by the Department of Housing, which is the recipient of CDBG-DR funds, and by any sub-recipient so that the process of rebuilding the Island is carried out as all Puerto Ricans expect. It is important to continue optimizing tools to improve urban planning and development in order to have stronger structures that are capable of withstanding different natural events,” said the Executive Director of the Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), Ottmar Chavez.

For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and on Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Fri, 11/06/2020 - 06:27

Mobile Registration Intake Center to Open in Siskiyou County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center opens Friday, Nov. 6, in Siskiyou County to serve wildfire survivors.

The center is part of the ongoing response and recovery mission for FEMA and the State of California to assist survivors with recovery information.

It is located Karuk Tribal Wellness Center, 537 Jacobs Way, Happy Camp, CA 96039. The hours are noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Saturday, Nov. 7 to Friday, Nov. 13.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid in one of three ways:

• online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• by downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet;
• or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PST. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service when they register.
• The helpline specialists can also answer questions about applications already submitted.
• Deadline to register is Dec. 16.

Registration enables FEMA to determine residents’ eligibility for financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other serious disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4569 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Thu, 11/05/2020 - 22:43

Schedule Changes at Tulare County Mobile Registration Intake Center

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center serving wildfire survivors in Tulare County will change its operating hours starting Monday, Nov. 9.

The new schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center will have its last day of Saturday operations on Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be closed Sunday, Nov. 8, and again Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day.

The center is located in a parking lot on the east side of Tulare County Government Plaza, 1055 W. Henderson Ave., Porterville CA 93257.

It assists survivors of the SQF Complex Fire, which includes the Castle Fire and Shotgun Fire, with disaster information as part of the ongoing wildfire response and recovery mission for FEMA and the state of California.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid in one of three ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• By downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet; or
• By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PST. If you use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, provide FEMA the specific number assigned to that service when you register.
• The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.

Financial awards from FEMA for eligible survivors may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare, personal property replacement and medical or dental expenses.

Survivors are reminded to keep FEMA informed if they change their mailing addresses or phone numbers so that their aid will not be delayed. To update personal information, survivors may call the FEMA Helpline or use their personal FEMA accounts they set up when registering for assistance with the FEMA mobile app or at DisasterAssistance.gov.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4558 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Thu, 11/05/2020 - 22:23

Wildfire Survivors FEMA Center Open in Los Angeles County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center will be open for three days, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 6-8, in Pearblossom, Calif., to assist Bobcat Fire survivors in Los Angeles County.

The center is located near the basketball court at Pearblossom Park, 33922 121st St E, Pearblossom, CA 93553. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

It offers survivors support with recovery information as part of the ongoing wildfire response and recovery mission for FEMA and the State of California.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid in one of three ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• By downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet; or
• By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PST. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service when they register.
• The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.

Registration enables FEMA to determine residents’ eligibility for financial awards that may help pay for rent, home repair, home replacement or other serious disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation or medical, funeral or dental expenses.

Deadline to register is Dec. 16.

Survivors are reminded that after they are registered they should be sure to keep FEMA informed if their addresses or phone numbers change so that they may receive timely assistance. This information may be updated by calling the FEMA Helpline or by using their personal online accounts that they created when they registered on the website or with the FEMA app. To create an online account on DisasterAssistance.gov, click the blue Create Account button at the bottom of the page and follow the instructions.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4569 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Thu, 11/05/2020 - 21:57

Update: Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Middlesex County, Virginia

Philadelphia - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Middlesex County, Virginia. Community stakeholders are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.  

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.  

The 90-day appeal period has been updated and will now begin on or around Nov. 19, 2020. Residents and business owners are also encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.  

Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.  

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.  

• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress. 

• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment. 

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps. 

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrators: David Kretz, Director of Planning, Middlesex County, d.kretz@co.middlesex.va.us, (804) 758-3382 and David Selph, Building Official, Middlesex County, dselph@co.middlesex.va.us, (804) 758-4305. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/15XDb4.   

For more information about the flood maps: 

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon) 

• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.  

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov 

Middlesex County Flood Mapping Milestones 

• Dec. 19, 2018 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data 

• Sept. 16, 2019 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released 

• Nov. 7, 2019 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map, and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance 

• On or Around Nov. 19, 2020 –Appeal Period starts 

• December 2021* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.) 

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.  

amanda.hancher Thu, 11/05/2020 - 17:24

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and State of West Virginia Emergency preparedness exercise scheduled for the Beaver Valley Power Station 

Philadelphia - The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Beaver Valley Power Station. The exercise will occur during the week of Nov. 9, 2020, to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of West Virginia to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.  

“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, regional administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.”  

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions.  The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.  

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2020. Due to the public health emergency, the meeting will be conducted in a virtual format via Zoom.   Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC.  

Access to the public meeting is provided below:  https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1611294306  

Meeting ID: 161 129 4306   Passcode: 987893 

Or dial by phone: 646-828-7666  

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to: 

MaryAnn Tierney 

Regional Administrator 

FEMA Region 3 

615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor 

Philadelphia, PA 19106 

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness. 

REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC. 

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.  

If you have any questions about this release, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.  

amanda.hancher Thu, 11/05/2020 - 17:18

Homeowners, Renters, Business Owners: SBA Disaster Loans Key to Recovery Process

SALEM Ore. – Wildfire survivors in Oregon who apply for assistance with FEMA may also apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low-interest disaster loan. For some survivors, completing a low-interest disaster loan application may be crucial to their recovery.

Next to insurance, an SBA low-interest disaster loan is the primary source of funds for property repairs and for replacing contents destroyed during the recent Oregon wildfires. To date, more than $30.5 million in low-interest disaster loans have been approved for homeowners, renters and businesses affected by Oregon wildfires.

What Types of Disaster Loans are Available from the SBA?

• Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

• Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. These loans can even be used to pay insurance deductibles.

Many survivors who register with FEMA are referred to the SBA. If SBA determines they are eligible for a loan, applicants don’t have to accept it, but they should complete the loan application as soon as possible to keep their recovery options open. Those who submit an SBA application and are not approved for a loan may be considered for additional FEMA assistance such as personal property replacement, disaster-caused vehicle repair or moving and storage fees.

Through SBA, homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $40,000 to replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

SBA can also help businesses and private nonprofit organizations with up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for economic injury disaster loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

To Apply for an SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loan:

Complete an online application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. To reach an SBA Customer Service Representative directly call 800-659-2955. Email questions to >>> FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.

For more information, visit >>> sba.gov/disaster.

The application filing deadline for physical damage loans is Nov. 16, 2020. The application filing deadline for economic injury loans is June 15, 2021.

There’s Still Time to Apply with FEMA:

Those who have uninsured or underinsured losses can apply with FEMA in one of three ways: online at disasterassistance.gov, via the FEMA app, or call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The deadline to apply with FEMA is Nov. 16, 2020.

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The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that service. They should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish)

Disaster survivors affected by the Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds can also get personalized mitigation advice to repair and rebuild safer and stronger from a FEMA Mitigation Specialist. For information on how to rebuild safer and stronger or to inquire as to your new flood risk following a fire near you, email FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov, a FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialist will respond survivor inquiries.

Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit fema.gov for more information.

FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

david.yost Thu, 11/05/2020 - 16:05

FEMA Mobile Centers in Okaloosa, Walton Counties to Close

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The FEMA mobile registration center in Okaloosa County will close permanently at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and the center in Walton County will close at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.

The State of Florida and FEMA have determined that those centers have satisfied the need for helping Hurricane Sally survivors in the area register for disaster assistance. The centers are located at:

 

OKALOOSA COUNTY

Northwest Florida Fairgrounds

1958 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 5-6

No document scanning

 

WALTON COUNTY

Freeport Regional Sports Complex

563 Hammock Trail East, Freeport, FL 32439

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov 5-7

Document scanning: Nov. 6-7

 

Other centers continue to operate on the following schedules:

 

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

Brownsville Community Center

320 W. DeSoto St., Pensacola, FL 32505

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Document scanning: Nov. 4-14

 

Lexington Terrace Community Center

700 S. Old Corry Field Rd., Pensacola, FL 32507

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Document scanning: Nov. 4-14

 

Escambia County Equestrian Center

7750 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32526

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Document scanning: Nov. 4-14

 

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

Gulf Breeze Community Center

800 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Document scanning: Nov. 4-14

 

Pensacola State College

5988 U.S. 90, Milton, FL 32583

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Document scanning: Nov. 4-14

 

The centers operate under COVID-19 protocols to ensure visitors and FEMA personnel are safe. Distancing and face coverings are required.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register with FEMA. Disaster survivors with uninsured losses can also apply by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Downloading the FEMA App; or by
• Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.

The deadline to register is Dec. 1, 2020.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 11/05/2020 - 15:04

FEMA’s Committed to Butte County’s Long-Term Camp Fire Recovery

OAKLAND, Calif. ― As we recognize the second anniversary of the Camp Fire on Nov. 8, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remains committed to Butte County’s recovery.

Two years ago, the Camp Fire – California's deadliest and most destructive wildfire in history – swept through 153,336 acres over 16 days. It destroyed 18,804 structures, prompted the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents and took the lives of 85 individuals.

Such wide-spread damage required a coordinated effort between local, state and federal government, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector and volunteers to support Butte County in its response and long-term recovery efforts. Since 2018, FEMA has provided more than $238 million in assistance to local and state government agencies, and residents to support recovery from the Camp Fire.  

Individuals and households received $84 million to manage rental expenses, home repair and home replacement costs, in addition to grants to replace personal property and cover other disaster-related expenses. As part of an extensive direct housing mission, FEMA also developed the 72-acre Gridley Industrial Park, with 289 manufactured housing units and mobile homes for thousands of displaced Butte County residents.

Costs of disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures to protect life and property, and permanent repair work to damaged or destroyed infrastructure have totaled more than $129 million. Funds have gone to repair and replace large portions of the Paradise Irrigation District’s water system, repair and restore nine damaged or destroyed Paradise Unified School District facilities, remove debris on public and private property, repair damaged roads and rebuild the Honey Run Bridge.

More than $25 million in hazard mitigation grants to Butte County and the Town of Paradise will reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to life and property from a future hazard. Some of the projects approved or under review will develop emergency notification systems, fuels reduction initiatives, administer code enforcement, install ignition-resistant materials in homes and create a defensible space program.

Due to the size and severity of the Camp Fire, FEMA established a long-term community recovery office in Paradise to take a holistic, long-term view of critical recovery needs and coordinate the mobilization of resources at the federal, state and community levels. Collectively, we are vested in and committed to the area’s long-term recovery plan to restore a functioning, healthy economy, improve infrastructure, expand housing, address environmental considerations, and make Butte County and the Town of Paradise more resistant to future disasters.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.

robert.barker Thu, 11/05/2020 - 11:17

Two Simple Steps to Receive Continued Rental Assistance

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – If you received temporary rental assistance from FEMA after Tropical Storm Isaías forced you from your home, you can take two steps, if needed, to continue receiving those benefits.

First, apply for additional benefits. FEMA mails you an “Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance” 15 days after you receive the initial rental assistance grant. This is a legal document. You will need to complete the form and provide all the supporting documents. Then sign it and return it to FEMA.

Residents of Aguada, Hormigueros, Mayagüez and Rincón may qualify for this type of assistance. You can receive up to 18 months of continued rental assistance, plus the security deposit, while you seek more permanent housing.

As of Oct. 26, 95 households received FEMA rental assistance, including 23 families who were renting their homes when Isaías struck the western side of the island.

If you did not receive the “Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance” or you have questions, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY (800) 462-7585. Operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Second, drop off your application at the Mayagüez Disaster Recovery Center drive-thru or mail it to FEMA at: P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.

If a you created an account at DisasterAssistance.gov, you can upload documents through the Upload Center in your online account.

The completed “Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance” will require these supporting documents:

• Pre-disaster and current household income status
• Copies of pre-disaster lease, utility bills, renter’s insurance
• Copy of current lease or rental agreement signed by you and the landlord
• Rental receipts, canceled checks or money orders showing the rental assistance was used to pay for housing expenses.

If you cannot gain entry to your home to find these documents or the originals were destroyed in the storm, call the FEMA Helpline. Duplicates of many types of official documents may be available through your municipal government, utility company or bank.

It is important to keep FEMA updated with your contact information and housing status.

Your rental can be a house, apartment, hotel or recreational vehicle that can keep you near your job, home and place of worship. The assistance covers rent, security deposit and essential utilities such as electricity and water, but not cable or internet.

The approved rental amount will be based on fair market rates for your area as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4560 and Facebook: www.facebook.com/femapuertorico.

 

 

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 711 for Video Relay Service. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish.) TTY call 800-462-7585.

 

Follow us at:

www.facebook.com/femapuertorico

www.twitter.com/femaregion2

 

jassiel.oliveromelo Wed, 11/04/2020 - 08:48

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – FEMA reminds wildfire survivors in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties that your application for assistance cannot be processed until FEMA has a report of the fire damage to your home and personal property.

You may not have been able to make a report because you were or still are under an evacuation order. When permitted to return home, speed up the decision about a recovery grant by providing your damage report to FEMA as quickly as possible.

Some survivors may have received letters from FEMA stating that the agency cannot refer them to its Individuals and Households Program. This does not mean a denial, but that FEMA cannot move your application forward until you report your damage.

Bottom line, making an application for assistance is not the end of the process for determining your eligibility to receive a FEMA grant. You must keep FEMA informed of your contact information whenever it changes and you must report your damage.

As evacuated residents shelter in hotels, with family and friends or find other accommodations, all who have applied to FEMA for disaster assistance need to keep in touch. FEMA needs your current address and phone number to process requests for assistance and review eligibility. As your situation or location changes, please keep FEMA informed.

Update your application using the original method you used to register with FEMA: online at DisasterAssistance.gov; with the FEMA app you downloaded to your smartphone or tablet; or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PDT. If you use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, provide FEMA the specific number assigned to that service when you register.

For questions about a letter from FEMA or anything else about your application, answers are only a phone call away to the FEMA Helpline.

After you register, create a personal online disaster assistance account to help you communicate with FEMA. You can use it to update your contact information, see copies of letters from FEMA and upload documents the agency must have to complete your application. Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov then click the green Check Status button at bottom of the page. Click the blue Create Account button at bottom of page and follow the instructions. You can also create an account using the FEMA app that you can download to your smartphone or tablet.

Survivors of the Bobcat, Creek, El Dorado, Glass, Oak, Slater, Valley and Zogg wildfires that occurred beginning Sept. 4, 2020, and continuing, who live in one of the 10 counties designated for federal aid are reminded that their deadline to register with FEMA is Dec. 16, 2020. The counties are Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4569 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Tue, 11/03/2020 - 16:11

Trinity County Mobile Registration Intake Center Will Be Open Until Nov. 10

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center in Trinity County to serve August Complex wildfire survivors will extend operations through Nov. 10. New hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The center is located at Ruth Lake Community Hall, 591 Van Duzen Rd., Mad River, CA 95526. It is operated by FEMA to help survivors obtain recovery information as part of the ongoing response and recovery mission from FEMA and the State of California.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid in one of three ways:

• online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• by downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet;
• or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PDT. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service when they register.
• The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.
• Deadline to register is Nov. 21.

Registration enables FEMA to determine residents’ eligibility for financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other serious disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4558 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Tue, 11/03/2020 - 14:40

Mobile Registration Intake Center Open in Fresno County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center opens Wednesday, Nov. 4, in Fresno County to serve Creek Fire survivors. It will be open Monday through Saturday until further notice.

The center is part of the ongoing response and recovery mission for FEMA and the State of California to support survivors with uninsured losses.

It is located at the Heritage Center, 3115 N. Millbrook Ave., Fresno, CA 93703. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid in one of three ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• By downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet; or
• By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PST. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service when they register.
• The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.
• Deadline to register is Dec. 16.

Registration enables FEMA to determine residents’ eligibility for financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other serious disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4569 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Tue, 11/03/2020 - 14:11

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Orange County, Texas

Denton, Texas– Revised preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in Orange County, Texas. Officials encourage property owners to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in appeal and comment periods for the maps.

The new flood hazard information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been generated in coordination with local community, state, and FEMA officials. Significant community review has already taken place.

Appeals/Comments may be submitted from 10/21/2020 through 1/19/2021:

• Cities of Bridge City, Orange, Pine Forest, Pinehurst, Rose City, Vidor, West Orange; and the Unincorporated Areas of Orange County

Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect. An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.

If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Review the preliminary maps, as well as submit appeals and comments, by visiting your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and is available by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com. 

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online at the following locations:

• The Flood Map Change Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon)
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com. 

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

 

Carmen.Castro Tue, 11/03/2020 - 10:37